Religious Freedom

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International Religious Freedom Roundtable: A Vital Movement in the World Today

Of all the events of the 2nd Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, Wednesday afternoon’s segment on the International Religious Freedom Roundtable may well have the greatest impact in advancing religious freedom around the world.

Religious Freedom: The Focus in Washington

Religious freedom is once again taking center stage, as officials, religious leaders and human rights advocates from across the world head for Washington, D.C., and the Second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. As many as 115 invited foreign ministers are expected to attend.

Candidates Urged to Support Religious Freedom and Inclusion

European Parliament candidates were urged to affirm their support of religious freedom at a conference April 2 organized by the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE) at the European Parliament.

Religious Freedom Conference at the UN Explores Solutions

International Religious Freedom: A New Era for Advocacy in Response to a New Age of Challenges and Threats at UN headquarters in New York March 1 featured international leaders in the movement to promote religious tolerance and counter oppression.

Multifaith Coalition Demands an End to Media-Incited Acts of Violence

“Houses of Worship Must Be Sacrosanct—We Are Family—Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others.” This was the message a delegation of religious leaders presented to members of Congress and to a gathering of more than 100 religious leaders in Washington, D.C.

In Iraq, Christmas Became a National Holiday This Year

A Series of Week-Long Courses Explore Religious Freedom Issues

Six week-long graduate-level courses offered by the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum Institute focus on creating greater understanding of the First Amendment and its application in today’s world. These curricula are offered to fill the gap in most people’s education.

For The New York Times, the Truth About Religion is Hard

Germany is still having trouble learning the lessons of its shameful past. Religious discrimination remains alive and well, and the New York Times not only forwards it but amazingly refuses to expose it when given every opportunity.

New Task Force to Protect Religious Liberty

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Monday that the Department of Justice is creating a religious liberty task force. It is co-chaired by Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio and the assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's Office of Legal Policy, Beth Williams.

New French Terrorism Laws May Undermine Rights and Freedoms

Speaker of the House Makes Appointment to the USCIRF

On May 21, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan reappointed Kristina Arriaga to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Five days earlier, President Trump appointed Gary L. Bauer, Nadine Maenza, and Johnnie Moore to the Commission.

Opinion Piece Outlines the Influence of the Islamic State in Indonesia

Video Adds Dimension to the Pew Study on Restrictions on Religion

Although presented in 2013, the TEDx talk by Brian J. Grim, founder and president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, adds dimension to the numbers in the most recent Pew Study on Restrictions on Religion.

The Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms

Professor Pieter Coertzen, chairperson of the South Africa Council for Religious Rights and Freedoms, and professor Rassie Malherbe, advisor to the Council, have written the Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms.

The Role of Religious Freedom in Building Safe, Happy and Successful Societies

UN Special Rapporteur to Review State of Religious Freedom in Tunisia

Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Ahmed Shaheed is to visit Tunisia April 9 to 19 to examine the country’s policies and practices promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief.

Conference on Religious Freedom at the UN Human Rights Council

At the 37th session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations (Geneva), the Coordination of the Associations and the People for Freedom of Conscience (CAP LC), a French NGO with United Nations Consultative Status, organized a conference titled on the deterioration of religious freedom.

Church Bells Ring this Easter in Iraq

Excerpts from an article on an interview with Father Robert Jerjees in Baghdad, in which Al Jazeera reports on the first Easter in Iraq after the defeat of ISIL: The Christian community in Iraq is said to be one of the oldest continuously existing communities in the world.

Interfaith Conference Endorses Declaration of Religious Tolerance

More than 300 religious leaders from around the world met in Washington, D.C., in February where they signed a new declaration calling for the global protection of religious minorities and marginalized communities.

On Uniting Religions to Protect the Rights of All Faiths

Scientology minister Rev. Eric Roux was a featured speaker at the International Convention: Law and Freedom of Belief in Europe, an Arduous Journey, organized by European Federation for Freedom of Belief (FOB) under the auspices of the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the Regional Council of Tuscany, Italy.

Brownback is the New Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, confirmed January 24 as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, assumes the position at a time of increasing government restrictions and social hostilities involving religion.

Convention on Law and Freedom of Belief in Florence January 18 and 19

The International Convention on Law and Freedom of Belief in Europe begins January 18 at the Saint Apollonia Auditorium in Florence, Italy, under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Scientologists March in Hungary for the Religious Freedom of All

On the eve of Human Rights Day, some 1,500 Scientologists from across Europe marched in Budapest in support of religious freedom for Scientology in Hungary and for members of all faiths that have come under attack through Hungary’s new religion law.

An Important Step Forward for Religious Freedom in Indonesia

In a surprise advance for religious freedom in the world’s most populous Muslim country, Indonesia, the nation’s top court has overturned a law that denied recognition and legal rights to followers of indigenous native faiths.

Commemorating International Religious Freedom Day and the 19th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act

State Department to Close Office of Religion and Global Affairs

In an article published in Religion & Politics September 5, Shaun Casey, former U.S. State Department Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs, wrote of his frustration with the State Department and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Tillerson’s decision to close the Office of Religion and Global Affairs.

Scientology on Newseum’s “5 Minutes of Religious Freedom”

In an interview published by Religious Freedom Center, Rev. Susan Taylor, Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office in Washington, D.C., spoke of the importance the Scientology religion places on religious freedom.

In its second periodic report on Liechtenstein July 4 and 5, 2017, the Human Rights Committee expressed concerns regarding the impact that manifestations of the close link between State and church in the country could have for the protection of freedom of religion.

An article July 23 by Daily Caller columnist Joshua Gill exposes the “French Connection” in the Russian Supreme Court’s July 17 ban on the Jehovah’s Witnesses, showing it was the result of a conspiracy funded by the French government, blessed by the Russian Orthodox Church, and sanctioned by the Put

If the Senate approves his nomination as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback will face unprecedented challenges in discharging his new responsibilities.

Trump’s New Religious Freedom Chief Has His Work Cut Out For Him

The nomination of Governor Sam Brownback for ambassador at-large for international religious freedom (IRF) provides a bright light of hope for those suffering religious persecution throughout the world.

LDS Video and Website Promote Freedom of Religion for All

Preserving Religious Freedom , a video produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, forwards a vital message. “Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right that protects the conscience of all people. It allows us to think, express and act upon what we deeply believe.

Congress to Consider New Legislation to Assist Tibetan Refugees

The bipartisan Tibetan Refugee Assistance Act has been introduced in the U.S. Congress by two lawmakers. It proposes granting 3,000 immigrant visas over a three-year period to qualified displaced Tibetans.

The 4th of July, JFK and Religious Freedom

An article published in 2014 in Time magazine, “The Theology of the Fourth of July” by Ira Stoll, posits that Independence Day is a religious holiday, and he cites John Fitzgerald Kennedy and the Declaration of Independence to prove his point.

“Today’s hearing is especially timely given the rise in religious extremism and increased restrictions on religious freedom worldwide,” said Thomas J. Reese, S.J., chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, addressing the U.S. Congress Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission May 24.

U.S. Religious Freedom Policy Recommendations Presented to National Security Council

Religious Freedom Institute (RFI), the International Religious Freedom Roundtable and the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) briefed the National Security Council May 4 on their recommendations for a comprehensive international religious freedom policy and its importance to national security.

Forum to Focus on Religious Freedom Report and Prisoners of Conscience

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2017 Annual Report, published April 26, is the subject of a May 17 forum in Washington, D.C. USCIRF Commissioners will speak at the event moderated by Religion News Service CEO Tom Gallagher.

Sikhs of New York Hold 5th Annual “Turban Day” in Times Square

More than 500 Sikh volunteers turned out for “Turban Day” in Times Square April 15. Organized by Sikhs of New York, the aim was to make better known the beliefs and practices of Sikhism, the world’s fifth-largest religion.

CIS Foreign Ministers Council Condemns Religious Intolerance in Member States

The CIS Foreign Ministers Council chaired by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov condemned discrimination and intolerance toward Christians, Muslims and members of other religions at a meeting April 7 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Armenian Genocide Subject of Major Motion Picture with All Proceeds to Nonprofits

More than a century after the Armenian Genocide, the story is now a major motion picture. The Promise is scheduled for release April 21 in the U.S., directed by Terry George and starring Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon and Christian Bale.

Political Party Leader Urges Pluralistic Ethos for Religious Tolerance in India

In a celebration of the Sikh festival of Baisakhi April 13, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, president of Jammu and Kashmir’s statewide National Conference political party, has called for religious harmony in India.

Pew Research study finds escalating global restriction on religion

The eighth annual study on global restrictions on religion, published by Pew Research Center April 10 reports an increase in countries with “high” or “very high” levels of government laws, policies and actions that restrict religious beliefs and practices.

Johnnie Moore Awarded Medal of Valor by Simon Wiesenthal Center

In acknowledgement for his advocating for persecuted Christians and religious minorities in the Middle East, Rev. Johnnie Moore was one of three champions of religious freedom awarded the Simon Wiesenthal Medal of Valor April 5 at a ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The trial of a Jehovah’s Witness charged with inciting interethnic enmity started April 6 in Astana, the capital city. Teimur Akhmedov, 60, was arrested in January for what the Committee for National Security (KNB) described as propagating ideas that “disrupt interreligious and interethnic concord.”

Myanmar’s First Cardinal Strives for Peace and Religious Freedom

Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon is optimistic about rebuilding Myanmar as it emerges from six decades of military rule and isolation. His concentration is on peace-building efforts and education, as plans progress to establish diplomatic relations between the country and the Holy See.

First Report to Human Rights Council by U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief

The rise of hatred, hostility, discrimination and violence based on religion or belief was the subject of the first presentation by United Nations Special Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed to the U.N. Human Rights Council.

In a report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva this week, the United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Karima Bennoune, stated that “We face a global avalanche of hate in the form of rising fundamentalism and extremism around the world.

Milan Conference Explores Religious Freedom in Italy Since World War II

The Church of Scientology of Milan hosted an interfaith conference February 19 featuring author and archivist Andrea Maori and his research into Italy’s post-World War II suppression of religious freedom.

House Judiciary Committee Hears State of Religious Liberty in America

President Speaks Out Against Anti-Semitic Attacks

President Trump has publicly condemned anti-Semitic hate crimes that occurred across the country over Presidents Day weekend—including some 200 gravestones vandalized in a Jewish cemetery in suburban St. Louis and 11 bomb threats phoned in to synagogues across the country.

Rabbi David Saperstein, whose term as Ambassador at-Large for International Religious Freedom ended in January, reviewed the past two years of accomplishments and challenges in promoting freedom of religion or belief around the world, speaking at a panel discussion February 9 in Washington, D.C.

Short List for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom

Foreign Policy reports that a short list leaked this week contains the names of three possible candidates to fill the position of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom in the State Department.

Violations of Rights of Religious Minorities in India, Report Says

A report released this week by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom details religious freedom violations in India against religious minorities and Hindu Dalits and offers recommendations for the Indian government and the U.S. government.

Religious freedom advocacy group 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative (21CWI) sent a letter to President Trump this week, signed by 715 human rights and religious liberty proponents encouraging the administration to swiftly nominate an Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.

Open Doors USA World Watch List shows record high persecution of Christians

Persecution of Christians worldwide hit an all-time high in 2016, according to Open Doors USA in its annual World Watch List . The nonprofit, nondenominational international organization released its 25th annual list at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

South African Minister of Police Says Faith Does Not Justify Human Rights Violations

In an address to a prayer service congregation at Alleluia Ministries in Sandton, Johannesburg, South African Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko challenged religious leaders in to do their part to end justification of unethical and even illegal acts in the name of religion.

Ambassador Brings Live Religious Freedom Discussion to Facebook

Celebrating Milestones in Human Progress on January 15 and 16

January 15 is World Religion Day inaugurated in 1950 in celebration of spiritual unity and peace among religious faiths. This year, this holiday comes the day before this nation celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, one of the world’s great spiritual leaders.

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Appoints New Executive Director

Prince Charles Urges Religious Freedom and Respect Amid Diversity

In 2016 Christmas Thought for the Day, Prince Charles spoke out against religious persecution and urged respect for those of different faiths. Prince Charles opened his Christmas Thought for the Day broadcast for BBC Radio 4 with the story of a recent meeting with a Jesuit priest from Syria.

U.S. Congressman Ben Gilman’s Human Rights Legacy

When Ben Gilman passed away December 17 at age 94, he had been retired for 15 years from the U.S. Congressional seat he held for 30 years. The district he represented encompassed portions of Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester counties north of New York City.

The Rights of Parents to Raise Their Children in Accordance with Their Religion

A recurring theme of extremists, governmental or private sector, who attack religions is that children should be separated from their parents to “protect” them from adopting their parent’s freely chosen religious beliefs.

First European Anatheism Conference—The Rediscovery of the Divine

The conference “Contemporary Forms of Anatheism” brought together religious experts and representatives of diverse religious traditions to explore anatheism, “a mystical ground… of what is most fundamental in each religion which is not easily translated into language …”

Stand Up For Religious Freedom and Human Rights on Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day in 1948 that the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”

Religious Freedom Symposium at Georgetown University

International Religious Freedom Roundtable: A Vital Nexus for Faith and Government Leaders

Continuing its mission to reduce global restrictions on religion, the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable met this month in the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill.

New Religion Law in Vietnam Contravenes Fundamental Right to Freedom of Religion

On November 18, 2016, Vietnam’s 14th National Assembly passed a new law on religion. Human rights advocates worldwide quickly denounced the law for its violation of Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) , which the Vietnamese government ratified in 1982.

FBI Reports Sharp Increase in Hate Crimes Against Muslims in America

The FBI’s Hate Crimes Statistics, 2015 shows that hate crimes against Muslims increased by 67%, up from 154 incidents in 2014 to 257 in 2015. The report, which logged 5,818 hate crimes, reveals that attacks motivated by religion rose by nearly 23 percent compared to 2014.

Interview with Ambassador David N. Saperstein

David N. Saperstein is the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. He is a principal advisor to the President and Secretary of State and serves as the country’s chief diplomat on issues of religious freedom worldwide.

Religious Freedom a Vital Factor in Economic Growth, Studies Show

Leader Receives Church of Scientology National Affairs Office Humanitarian Award

The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office bestowed a humanitarian award on Ms. Cynthia Roseberry , Project Manager for Clemency Project 2014 and member of the Charles Colson Task Force on Federal Corrections.

Second Letter Demanding Release of Asia Babi Sent to Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States

Outgoing UN Special Rapporteur Calls for State Vigilance Against Religious Persecution

In the final presentation to the UN General Assembly of his tenure on October 28, 2016, Mr. Heiner Bielefeldt, United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, urged member nations to guard against all forms of religious discrimination and intolerance.

International Religious Freedom Day

Today, October 27, is International Religious Freedom Day. This year it commemorates the 17th anniversary of the enactment of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA). The International Religious Freedom Act was passed by an overwhelmingly bipartisan initiative in the U.S.

The Sikh Project

London photographers Amit and Naroop aim to capture the heart of Sikhism through a portrait exhibition called “The Sikh Project.” These unique and touching portraits and accompanying vignettes share the experiences of members of that faith in America and personalize the religion.

All of Us Can Serve the World

Following is the powerful speech of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hessein, given a on October 11, 2016, in which he said “I am convinced that service to our fellow human beings benefits all of us—that it constitutes the only meaningful way to live” and “although individually, none of us can save the world, all of us can serve the world…”

IRF Roundtable Urges Passage of Pending Religious Freedom Resolution

When members of the United States Congress return to Washington after the elections in November, religious freedom advocates are hopeful the Senate will pass H.R. 1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act

Special UN Rapporteur Calls for End to Harassment of Members of the Bahá’í Faith

On October 4, 2016, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt, called upon the government of Yemen to halt harassment of the Bahá’í population in that country. The full text of the Special Rapporteur’s announcement is below.

OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2016

The Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) participating States is Europe's largest annual human rights and democracy conference.

Hungary: Two Years After Ruling by ECtHR Church Law Remains Unaltered

The Forum for Religious Freedom Europe prepared the following intervention for the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting and presented it on 27 September 2016 in Warsaw, Poland, at Working Session 12.